India is considering revising its directive that requires smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-run cybersecurity app, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said on Wednesday, indicating a softer approach following public concerns about surveillance. Earlier, the main opposition party criticized the government over the move, and newspaper editorials echoed privacy advocates in opposing it. The directive could also create tensions with phone makers, with sources reporting that Apple does not plan to comply.

“We are ready to make changes to the order based on the feedback we receive,” Scindia told parliament. According to Reuters, the government had privately instructed companies including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to preload the app, called Sanchar Saathi (Communication Partner), on new phones within 90 days. The government claims the app is intended to track and block stolen phones and prevent misuse.

Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala asked the government to clarify its legal authority for mandating a non-removable app and called for a parliamentary debate on privacy and security risks. He also raised concerns that the app could include a backdoor, compromising user data, and requested disclosure of cybersecurity audits and safeguards. The government has ordered the app to be delivered via software updates to existing devices and required manufacturers to ensure it cannot be disabled, describing it as necessary to address serious cybersecurity threats.

Industry sources note the move is unusual, with Russia being one of the few other examples, where Moscow mandated pre-installation of a state-backed messenger app, MAX, on mobile devices. Apple reportedly plans to communicate its concerns to New Delhi, emphasizing that it does not accept such mandates anywhere due to privacy and security risks within its iOS ecosystem.

The directive has sparked intense debate on Indian news channels, with politicians and privacy advocates weighing the pros and cons. Newspapers like The Indian Express highlighted surveillance concerns, while The Times of India urged the government to withdraw the order, calling phones “private space” and warning of potential future intrusions.

This controversy marks the second major privacy-related criticism faced by Modi’s government, after a 2020 COVID-19 contact-tracing app initially required for office workers was later made voluntary following privacy protests. Despite criticism, app downloads rose, with Sensor Tower reporting a 13% increase to 78,000 daily downloads on Monday.